Nashville 911 Recognizes Personnel of the Year at Annual Awards Ceremony

The Nashville Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) recognized several team members during its annual awards ceremony, highlighting the people behind the headset who answer the calls, support one another, and keep operations moving every day.

These awards reflect the work happening both on the floor and behind the scenes - the people who take the calls, train the next generation, lead in high-pressure moments, and keep the system running.

• Emergency Dispatcher of the Year - Dispatcher Justin Duncan

  Hired in June 2023, Dispatcher Justin Duncan has already made an impact. He's involved in the department's Procedure Review and Tech Advisory Committees and has earned his APCO Radio Technician Certification while serving as a COMT. He doesn't just do the job, he looks for ways to make it better and shows up as a steady presence on the floor.

• Communications Training Officer (CTO) of the Year - Suzanne Ramsey

  Since joining the department in April 2020, Supervisor Suzanne Ramsey served as a trainer before recently being promoted. In that role, she helped prepare new employees for what this job actually looks like. Her impact continues on the operations floor as she brings that same focus and leadership into her new position.

• Supervisors of the Year - Supervisor Lakeda Mills and Supervisor Charles O'Connell

  Supervisor Lakeda Mills, hired in 2009 and promoted in 2022, and Supervisor Charles O'Connell, hired in 2020 and promoted in 2023, took different paths into leadership but have delivered the same result. Both are steady, reliable, and trusted to manage the room while supporting their teams.

• Administrator of the Year - Finance Manager Dwayne Vance

  With nearly 20 years of service since joining the department in 2006, Finance Manager Dwayne Vance has been a consistent part of the department's foundation. His work behind the scenes helps keep operations running and supports the work happening on the floor every day.

• hubNashville Member of the Year - Supervisor Stanley Tidwell

  With more than 30 years of service with Metro, Supervisor Stanley Tidwell is known as a steady presence for his team. This recognition came directly from the call reps he works with every day, reflecting the trust and respect he has built over time.

The department is proud to recognize these individuals and the entire team serving as Nashville's first first responders.

DEC personnel provide service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, supporting both residents and the millions who visit the city each year.